Richard Daniel Olphie

Richard Daniel Olphie, age 73, of Valdosta, Georgia, and formerly of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Valdosta.

Mr. Olphie was the son of the late Daniel John and Nancy Elizabeth Mcclaren Olphie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Johanna, and brother-in-law Johnny Mac Choate of Pegram, TN; brother-in-law, Ferman Dan White of Gainesville, GA; and nephew, Matthew Powell of Brentwood, TN.

A lifelong educator, Mr. Olphie devoted his career to teaching and mentoring students. He was widely recognized for his excellence in education, receiving numerous honors including: Teacher of the Year at Westside School (1993, 2000); Teacher of the Year for the Georgia Chapter Council for Exceptional Children (1993); Cliff Rice Scholarship for Outstanding Teaching (1992); Teacher of the Year for Lowndes County Schools (1991); and Teacher of the Year for Lowndes High School (1982, 1991). His programs were repeatedly recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as exemplary, and he served in leadership roles at both regional and state levels, including Chairman of the State Board for the Related Vocational Instructors' Enrichment Camp.

Mr. Olphie taught as an adjunct at Valdosta State University for over twenty five years and he was a tutor for Georgia Sheriff's Boys Ranch from June 2006 to May 2012.

Mr. Olphie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann White Olphie; sisters Donna Tant of Franklin, TN, Susan (Danny) Warren of Madison, TN, Nancy (Jim) Powell of Brentwood, TN, Diane Daunis of Nashville, TN, Deborah Olphie of Franklin, TN, and Sally Olphie of Columbia, TN; brothers Daniel Olphie of Lady Lake, FL, Ronald Olphie (Jingru) of Chicago, IL, and Michael Olphie of Nashville, TN; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Mr. Olphie will be remembered for his dedication to education, his leadership, and his love for family. His legacy lives on in the countless students and colleagues whose lives he touched.

The family will gather with friends from 5-7pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Online condolences to the family may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home